MMA News

Tag: MVP MMA

  • Did Rousey vs Carano Just Break All-Time U.S. MMA Viewership Record? Numbers Might Surprise You

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano delivered massive numbers for its debut on Netflix, rewriting the record books in the United States.

    According to figures released by Most Valuable Promotions, the event averaged 9.3 million viewers in the U.S., with a peak of 11.6 million during the main event. That officially surpasses the long-standing benchmark set by Cain Velasquez vs Junior dos Santos on FOX in 2011, which drew 8.8 million viewers.

    Globally, the numbers were even more impressive. The card pulled in 12.4 million live viewers worldwide, with peak viewership reaching nearly 17 million as Ronda Rousey secured a quick submission victory over Gina Carano in just 17 seconds.

    Beyond viewership, the event also generated a $2.2 million gate and reportedly produced over one billion impressions across Netflix’s global platforms, signaling strong engagement beyond the broadcast itself.

    The card featured several notable names alongside the headline bout. Francis Ngannou made his return to MMA, while Mike Perry picked up a stoppage win over Nate Diaz, helping maintain momentum throughout the night.

    While the event did not reach the same scale as some of Netflix’s biggest boxing broadcasts, it still marked a significant step forward for MMA on the platform. Previous combat sports events featuring names like Anthony Joshua and Canelo Álvarez have posted larger figures, but few MMA cards outside the UFC ecosystem have approached this level of reach.

  • Stitch Duran Breaks Down Every Reason He Stopped The Nate Diaz Fight And The List Is Longer Than You Think

    Nate Diaz’s cutman, Jacob “Stitch” Duran, says he has no regrets about stopping the Diaz vs. Mike Perry fight between rounds, revealing Diaz suffered 15 staples and 20 stitches combined and had broken a finger during the bout.

    Duran spoke to MMA Junkie Radio on Monday, explaining the sequence of events that led to his decision to call off the fight before the third round at MVP MMA 1.

    “He ended up with 15 staples, 20 stitches all together. He was beat up. He was too strong for him. I always look at it as a judge, and at that point, he was getting his ass whooped. Mike was just too strong, too aggressive and he was working him. Then, Nate broke his finger right about here. He said, ‘I couldn’t do nothing.’ The cuts were so big here, it kept pulsating. It kept going and then his nose kept bleeding. It was the sign of maybe a broken nose. I told Nate, ‘I’m going to have the doctor stop the fight, man.’ I said, ‘It’s too much blood and you keep bleeding.’ The referee said, ‘Come on, let’s go.’ I said, ‘No, no, no. He’s not going out.’”

    The crowd at Intuit Dome booed the stoppage. Duran said what mattered most was that Diaz himself understood and expressed his gratitude.

    “Nate thanked me. He said, ‘Thanks.’ I said, ‘Of course.’ I was there to take care of him. That was a proper move. The thing about it is he said he couldn’t see. That’s always No. 1. It wasn’t a hard decision to make. He had blood everywhere. My job is to protect the fighter. That’s exactly what I did with Nate. At the end, when we were saying goodbye, he gives me a hug, ‘I love you.’ His dad was there. He thanked me. So of course I did the right thing. No question about it.”

    Duran also revealed he received a message of support from boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera.

    “You know what’s cool? I got a message from Marco Antonio Barrera from Guadalajara. He thanked me. He said great job. I got a lot of compliments from guys within the industry. They understand. My only job is to give that guy one more round and if he can’t go one more round, to take care of him. So I’m glad I was there for Nate.”

  • MVP Drops Hammer On Claressa Shields After Physical Altercation With Alycia Baumgardner At Rousey vs. Carano Event

    Claressa Shields has been barred from attending future events hosted by Most Valuable Promotions following a heated altercation with Alycia Baumgardner during last weekend’s high-profile fight card in California.

    The incident took place at the Rousey vs. Carano event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, which marked MVP’s first MMA show in partnership with Netflix. According to multiple reports and video clips circulating online, tensions between the two champions escalated in a VIP area, where Shields appeared to make physical contact with Baumgardner during a verbal exchange.

    In response, MVP released a firm statement confirming disciplinary action against Shields.

    “Most Valuable Promotions is aware of the incident… involving physical contact by Claressa Shields toward Alycia Baumgardner,” the statement read. “MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior… Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable.”

    The promotion went on to confirm that Shields is now banned from all future MVP events until further notice, emphasizing that her actions did not align with the standards they aim to uphold.

    “There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter, but to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest… is unacceptable,” the statement continued, while also acknowledging venue security for quickly stepping in and preventing further escalation.

    The rivalry between the two fighters had already been brewing on social media in the days leading up to the event, making their in-person confrontation unsurprising, though the situation quickly crossed a line.

    Shields later addressed the incident online, defending her actions and claiming she had been provoked, while Baumgardner responded with a brief but pointed message: “Checkmate.”

  • Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Goes No. 1 On Netflix Across North America As UFC Vegas 117 Records Lowest Numbers Of Paramount Era

    Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Goes No. 1 On Netflix Across North America As UFC Vegas 117 Records Lowest Numbers Of Paramount Era

    It was a rare weekend where the UFC found itself sharing the spotlight, and the results turned out to be surprisingly one-sided.

    While the promotion staged UFC Vegas 117 at the Apex, a new player entered the scene with its debut event on Netflix. Headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, the MVP MMA card drew significant attention across North America.

    Despite some criticism around matchmaking, the event still managed to generate strong viewership. According to analyst Dave Meltzer, the broadcast climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Interestingly, the event was categorized under “movies” rather than sports or television, yet still performed well globally, even breaking into the top rankings worldwide.

    The timing makes the achievement more notable. The main event aired late on the East Coast, yet still attracted a wide audience, outperforming other major programming in the same category.

    The prelims, streamed for free on YouTube, also gained traction, reportedly reaching over 400,000 concurrent viewers at one stage. While exact figures remain unclear, the early signs suggest strong engagement for a first-time promotion.

    In contrast, the UFC’s offering that night struggled to gain similar momentum. UFC Vegas 117 reportedly delivered the lowest viewership of the promotion’s Paramount+ era, falling significantly below its usual benchmarks.

    Adding to the buzz, the MVP card featured recognizable names beyond its headline bout, including Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz, helping drive curiosity among a broader audience.

  • MVP MMA: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Attendance Revealed, And It’s Not What Fans Thought

    The numbers are in for the first-ever MVP MMA event on Netflix, and they tell a very different story from what some viewers believed during the broadcast.

    The card, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. While social media chatter suggested the arena looked sparse on TV, early attendance figures paint a much stronger picture.

    According to industry analyst Dave Meltzer, the event drew 15,795 fans inside the venue. The Intuit Dome typically holds over 18,000 spectators for combat sports events, meaning the show fell short of a sellout but still filled a significant portion of the building.

    “The idea that the building was empty was ludicrous, but it was not sold out,” Meltzer wrote, pushing back against claims that the turnout was disappointing.

    The perception of empty sections may have been influenced by the arena’s layout, which some fans say does not always translate well on camera. Despite that, the turnout stands as a notable achievement, especially for a promotion outside the UFC banner.

    For context, recent UFC events at the same venue have drawn similar paid attendance figures, highlighting that MVP MMA’s debut effort managed to compete in a space typically dominated by the sport’s biggest promotion.

  • MVP MMA Salaries: Ronda Rousey Earns $2.2 Million For Submission

    Those joking that Ronda Rousey’s 17-second armbar of Gina Carano in the main event of MVP MMA 1 was her “easiest payday” may not be stretching the truth too much.

    Though it’s more of a rarity these days, the base fighter pay for the MVP MMA card is now known, thanks to the disclosure by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

    Rousey, one of the headliners for the inaugural MVP MMA event, was the biggest earner of the evening, taking home a $2.2 million purse.

    Rousey’s opponent, Carano, was the third-biggest earner, taking home a $1.05 million payday.

    Between the two was Francis Ngannou. The former UFC heavyweight champion took home $1.5 million for his first-round knockout of Phillipe Lins.

    It should be noted that the reported pay by the CSAC does not include any win bonuses, signing bonuses, incentive-based bonuses, or sponsorship revenue.

    The lowest base pay for the MVP card was $40,000. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian previously told Uncrowned that this would be the minimum fighter pay, nearly four times more than the UFC’s lowest show money pay for fighters.

    The full list of MVP MMA fighter disclosed pay by the CSAC can be found below:

    • Ronda Rousey: $2,200,000
    • Gina Carano: $1,050,000
    • Nate Diaz: $500,000
    • Mike Perry: $400,000
    • Francis Ngannou: $1,500,000
    • Philipe Lins: $100,000
    • Salahdine Parnasse: $70,000
    • Kenny Cross: $50,000
    • Junior dos Santos: $80,000
    • Robelis Despaigne: $50,000
    • Namo Fazil: $40,000
    • Jake Babian: $40,000
    • Adriano Moraes: $80,000
    • Phumi Nkuta: $60,000
    • Jason Jackson: $110,000
    • Jeff Creighton: $50,000
    • David Mgoyan: $50,000
    • Albert Morales: $40,000
    • Aline Pereira: $40,000
    • Jade Masson-Wong: $40,000
    • Chris Avila: $50,000
    • Brandon Jenkins: $40,000

  • Ronda Rousey Submits Gina Carano In Seconds With Armbar

    She hasn’t stepped in the cage in over 10 years, but Ronda Rousey looked like her old self, needing mere seconds to put away Gina Carano in the main event of MVP MMA.

    Rousey scored a takedown immediately. After a failed guillotine, Rousey went right into the armbar, scoring the submission in just 17 seconds.

    Ronda Rousey Quickly Submits Gina Carano In 17 Seconds At MVP MMA

    This was Rousey’s first MMA fight since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. The former UFC and Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion has since had a pair of stints with the WWE, where she became a multiple-time women’s world champion.

    This was Carano’s first fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009. Carano has since gone on to a career in film and television media.

  • ‘War’ – Mike Perry Puts Beating On Nate Diaz For Stoppage Win

    In a bloody striking-filled war, Mike Perry scored perhaps the biggest win of his combat career, stopping Nate Diaz in two rounds in the MVP MMA co-main event.

    Perry came out aggressively from the opening seconds, looking to bring forward pressure and aggression with inside strikes, namely elbows. Diaz looked for an early leg lock attempt, but back on the feet, Perry had his way, working Diaz over with body strikes and quickly wearing him down.

    Diaz landed strong shots of his own, working the jab and busting Perry up as well. But Perry’s onslaught on the feet was too much, as he continued to land combinations and make the blood pour from Diaz.

    Perry landed a strong knee before the end of the round. While Diaz survived to the end of round two, the corner ended the fight due to all the blood pouring out of Diaz, giving Perry the victory.

    Mike Perry Bloodies, Finishes Nate Diaz At MVP MMA

    This was Diaz’s first MMA bout since submitting Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Since then, he competed in two boxing bouts, losing to Jake Paul and defeating Jorge Masvidal.

    Perry has built a name for himself in the BKFC, becoming their current King of Violence. This was Perry’s first professional MMA bout since losing to Daniel Rodriguez in April 2021.

  • UFC Star Arman Tsarukyan Jumps Barrier To Confront Namo Fazil After Heated Feud At Rousey vs Carano Card

    Arman Tsarukyan found himself at the center of controversy once again, this time during the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card in Los Angeles.

    The incident unfolded after Namo Fazil secured a submission victory over Jake Babian in the final preliminary bout. During his post-fight interview, Fazil used the moment to call out “Ahalkalakets”, signaling that tensions between the two had been building throughout fight week.

    Moments later, Tsarukyan, who was in attendance, reacted from the stands. Video circulating online shows the top UFC lightweight contender attempting to climb over the barrier before being stopped. He later made his way backstage, where he confronted Fazil again as both fighters exchanged heated words before security intervened.

    The bad blood stems from earlier comments Tsarukyan made during a livestream, where remarks about the Kurdish community sparked backlash. Fazil, who represents Kurdistan, responded publicly during the week, warning that the comments would not go unanswered.

    Despite the confrontation, the situation did not escalate into a physical altercation, with multiple people separating both camps.

    Tsarukyan’s actions have once again drawn attention away from his in-cage accomplishments. The No. 1 lightweight contender has not fought since his win over Dan Hooker in late 2025 and is still awaiting his next UFC booking.

    The 29-year-old Armenian is also set to serve as the backup fighter for the UFC Freedom 250 main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14.

  • Jon Jones Says He’s Focused On Trying To Get UFC Release

    Jon Jones Says He’s Focused On Trying To Get UFC Release

    Jon Jones was present for the MVP MMA card and said he’d need to get out of his UFC contract to face Francis Ngannou.

    Jones was a guest at the analysts’ desk, present to react to Ngannou’s performance against Phillips Lins. Ngannou ended up finishing Lins in just under five minutes.

    Following the fight, Ariel Helwani asked Ngannou about potential next fights. Jake Paul was brought up as a possible opponent, as was Jones, but all parties seemed to recognize the difficulty of such a fight happening while Jones is locked under a UFC contract.

    Jon Jones Looking To Get Out Of UFC Contract For Francis Ngannou Matchup

    Jones was then asked to follow up on his thoughts, and he appeared to hint that he might be looking to get out of his contract.

    “I’ve got to try to focus on getting out of my UFC contract,” Jones said. “That’s going to be the difficult part if this fight [with Francis Ngannou] is going to happen. I don’t think [UFC CEO and President] Dana [White] is interested in doing business with Francis, so doing it with MVP would probably be the only way to make it happen, and if we can get out of my contract that would be great.”

    Jones has not fought since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Jones and Tom Aspinall’s negotiations for a heavyweight title fight ended with Jones’ retirement. That retirement only lasted two weeks, when Jones requested to be put on the UFC White House card.

    When Jones was not placed on the card, he asked for his release.

    Jones and Ngannou have had previous negotiations with the UFC for a fight, but the fight fell through more than once before Ngannou left the UFC in 2023.

    The win over Lins was Ngannou’s first fight since his sole PFL bout — a first-round knockout of Renan Ferreira in October 2024.

  • ‘Still the Scariest’ – Francis Ngannou Puts Out Phillipe Lins

    Francis Ngannou still has the power, delivering a vintage knockout during the MVP MMA card, needing just one round to defeat Phillipe Lins.

    Ngannou stalked Lins right away, countering a Lins takedown attempt with a guillotine choke. Ngannou got Lins to his back, thanks to his power, as Lins tried to limit Ngannou by locking up his guard.

    Ngannou made Lins eat right hands as the fight got back to the feet. Ngannou connected on solid body shots to do more damage.

    Then, Ngannou landed one right hand to put Lins out cold and end things in a flash.

    Francis Ngannou KOs Phillipe Lins At MVP MMA

    This was Ngannou’s first professional MMA fight since defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024. That was the sole PFL fight for the former UFC heavyweight champion, who parted ways with that promotion in 2023.

    This was Lins’ first fight since defeating Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299. Lins, the former PFL heavyweight champion, was on a four-fight win streak.

  • Salahdine Parnasse Puts On Show In US Debut At MVP MMA

    Competing in the United States for the first time, Salahdine Parnasse made a statement for the argument that he’s one of the best non-UFC names, scoring a first-round finish of Kenneth Cross at MVP MMA.

    Parnasse troubled Cross early by dumping him to the ground and landing ground-and-pound in the first few seconds. The two battled for grappling control, jockeying for position as they battled around the cage.

    But then Parnasse landed a pair of punches that appeared to do damage to Cross. Cross looked to fire back and get back in the fight, but Parnasse brought him to the ground and overwhelmed him with strikes while looking for the choke. Cross survived and got back to the feet, but a body shot folded him to give Parnasse the first-round finish.

    Salahdine Parnasse Puts A Hurting On Kenneth Cross At MVP MMA

    Parnasse, the former KSW featherweight and lightweight champion, came into this bout with a 22-2 record. Parnasse’s most recent fight came in January, finishing Marcin Held.

    Cross sees a four-fight win streak snapped in this fight. He entered this bout off a win over Tsogookhuu Amarsanaa in October.

  • ‘Eviscerated’ – Robelis Despaigne Brutalizes Junior Dos Santos

    ‘Eviscerated’ – Robelis Despaigne Brutalizes Junior Dos Santos

    Robelis Despaigne scored yet another first-round finish, getting perhaps the biggest win of his career with a first-round finish of Junior dos Santos at MVP MMA.

    Despaigne came out aggressive, taking the center and connecting strong and early. Dos Santos, however, got his own shots in, dropping him briefly with a leg kick and trying to pressure Despaigne.

    A three-punch combination landed perfectly, however, and it was enough to bloody and knock out the former UFC heavyweight champion.

    Robelis Despaigne KOs Junior Dos Santos At MVP MMA

    Despaigne now improves to 6-2 in professional MMA, with six finishes. This was Despaigne’s first MMA fight since losing to Austen Lane in 2024. Despaigne knocked out Sam Alvey in December to become Karate Combat heavyweight champion.

    JDS competed in his first MMA fight tonight since his loss to Yorgan De Castro in Eagle FC in 2022. He competed in a pair of bare-knuckle MMA fights since, defeating Fabricio Werdum and Alan Belcher.

  • Namo Fazil Gets Submission Win, Calls Out Arman Tsarukyan

    Namo Fazil Gets Submission Win, Calls Out Arman Tsarukyan

    Namo Fazil won a wild battle in the MVP MMA featured prelim against Jake Babian — then had quite the wild post-fight show.

    Fazil and Babian had a wild opening round filled with striking sequences, both landing big on one another as momentum swung back and forth. Babian found moments of success on the ground, but Fazil answered with heavy combinations and pressure.

    Fazil then put things away in round two by landing powerful punches on Babian against the fence before locking up an anaconda choke.

    Namo Fazil Has Post-Fight Confrontation With Arman Tsarukyan At MVP MMA

    Fazil then had a noteworthy post-fight interview, calling out co-main event competitors Nate Diaz and Mike Perry, as well as Arman Tsarukyan.

    Following the fight, Tsarukyan appeared to try and jump the fence to get after Fazil.

    Fazil continues the win streak he’s been on since 2023.

  • Adriano Moraes Earns Last-Second Submission At MVP MMA

    Adriano Moraes Earns Last-Second Submission At MVP MMA

    Appearing to be just seconds away from losing in upset fashion, Adriano Moraes pulled off a sudden finish, getting to the back of Phumi Nkuta and scoring a legitimate last-second submission victory.

    Nkuta brought it to Moraes early, working over the former ONE flyweight champion with boxing combinations and pressure. Nkuta dropped Moraes late in the first round, nearly scoring a submission. Moraes’ grappling pressure then started to take over, securing strong positioning in the backpack position and on the ground.

    Nkuta continued to get the upper hand in the third round; however, a late knee attempt from Moraes got Nkuta off balance, resulting in Moraes jumping on the back and locking up the choke.

    The time expired; however, Nkuta did not move for several seconds, resulting in a technical submission being called — and upheld by the California State Athletic Commission.

    Adriano Moraes Scores Final-Second Technical Submission Of Phumi Nkuta At MVP MMA

    Multiple MMA media members, however, took issue with the fact that Moraes still held onto the choke when the bell sounded.

    Moraes, the former ONE flyweight champion, entered this fight with three losses in his last four fights. He was finished in the first round by Yuya Wakamatsu in their March 2025 ONE flyweight title fight.

    Nkuta, who took this fight on short notice to fill in for Muhammad Mokaev, entered this fight 11-0.

  • Jason Jackson Obliterates Jeff Creighton In 22 Seconds At MVP MMA

    Jason Jackson Obliterates Jeff Creighton In 22 Seconds At MVP MMA

    In his first fight away from Bellator and the PFL, Jason Jackson delivered and showed his striking still has style, quickly putting away Jeff Creighton during the MVP MMA prelims.

    Creighton looked to get things started and bring the pressure. Creighton, however, missed a couple of low kicks. And following a combination, he paid the price.

    Jackson landed a right hand, followed by a left hand that dropped Creighton out cold in highlight style.

    Jason Jackson Puts Jeff Creighton Out Cold At MVP MMA

    Jackson scored the last-ever victory in Bellator as an independent promotion, defeating Yaroslav Amosov for the Bellator welterweight championship. After losing that title to Ramazan Kuramagomedov, Jackson competed in the 2025 PFL Welterweight World Tournamnet, defeating Andrey Koreskov and losing to Thad Jean.

    Creighton, who took the fight on short notice to replace Muhammad Mokaev, was a participant on season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter. Creighton then fought fellow TUF contestant Diego Bianchini in November, scoring a decision win.

  • MVP MMA Results: Rousey vs. Carano Live Updates & Highlights

    MVP MMA Results: Rousey vs. Carano Live Updates & Highlights

    MVP MMA results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The main event will feature a women’s featherweight bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano – Women’s Featherweight Main Event

    This will be Rousey’s first professional MMA fight since losing to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. After winning a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics, Rousey elevated herself and women’s MMA with her finishes in the cage, going on to become Strikeforce and (the inaugural) UFC women’s bantamweight champion. This marks Rousey’s first fight at women’s featherweight since the very early portion of her career.

    This marks Carano’s first MMA fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009, the sole loss in Carano’s MMA career. Carano, a women’s MMA pioneer, won seven straight fights before that defeat.

    The co-main event will see Nate Diaz take on Mike Perry. This marks Diaz’s first professional MMA fight since defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Diaz has since fought twice in boxing. Perry, now a standout fighter in BKFC, will be competing in a professional MMA bout for the first time since parting with the UFC in 2021.

    Francis Ngannou also makes his MMA return at this event, taking on Phillipe Lins. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, fought just one time for the PFL, defeating Renan Ferreira. Lins, who won the 2018 PFL heavyweight title, went 4-2 in the UFC. Lins last fought in professional MMA at UFC 299, defeating Ion Cutelaba.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from MVP MMA!

    How to Watch MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano

    • Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
    • Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
    • Streaming: Netflix (Main Card), YouTube (Prelims)
    • Prelims: 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano Quick Results

    • Main Event: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano — Ronda Rousey def. Gina Carano via submission (armbar) (Rd. 1, 0:17)
    • Co-Main Event: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry — Mike Perry def. Nate Diaz via TKO (stoppage) (Rd. 2, 5:00)
    • Francis Ngannou vs. Phillipe Lins — Francis Ngannou def. Phillipe Lins via KO (Rd. 1, 4:31)
    • Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross — Salahdine Parnasse def. Kenneth Cross via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:18)
    • Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne — Robelis Despaigne def. Junior dos Santos via KO (Rd. 1, 2:59)

    MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (YouTube, 6 PM ET)

    Catchweight (165 lbs): Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins

    Result: Brandon Jenkins def. Chris Avila via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Aline Pereira vs. Jade Masson-Wong

    Result: Aline Pereira def. Jade Masson-Wong via split decision (29-28 x2, 27-30)

    Featherweight: David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales

    Result: David Mgoyan def. Albert Morales via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)

    Welterweight: Jason Jackson vs. Jeff Creighton

    Result: Jason Jackson def. Jeff Creighton via KO (Rd. 1, 0:22)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta

    Result: Adriano Moraes def. Phumi Nkuta via technical submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 3, 4:59)

    Welterweight: Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian

    Result: Namo Fazil def. Jake Babian via submission (anaconda choke) (Rd. 2, 0:58)

    Main Card (Netflix, 9 PM ET)

    Heavyweight: Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne

    Result: Robelis Despaigne def. Junior dos Santos via KO (Rd. 1, 2:59)

    Lightweight: Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross

    Result: Salahdine Parnasse def. Kenneth Cross via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:18)

    Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou vs. Phillipe Lins

    Result: Francis Ngannou def. Phillipe Lins via KO (Rd. 1, 4:31)

    Welterweight: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry

    Result: Mike Perry def. Nate Diaz via TKO (stoppage) (Rd. 2, 5:00)

    Women’s Featherweight: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano

    Result: Ronda Rousey def. Gina Carano via submission (armbar) (Rd. 1, 0:17)

  • The Netflix Era Begins: Will MVP MMA Be The New Threat To UFC?

    The Netflix Era Begins: Will MVP MMA Be The New Threat To UFC?

    Saturday, May 16, marks an important day in the world of MMA, as Most Valuable Promotions holds its highly anticipated inaugural MMA event.

    The Jake Paul-led promotion, after putting on various boxing cards over the years, now looks to start a run in promoting MMA. It looks to be the latest alternative product to the UFC, starting things off with a bang by featuring a mix of star names and up-and-comers.

    The main event will feature the returns of two women’s MMA legends — Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The bout is scheduled to be a five-round women’s featherweight contest.

    This will be Rousey’s first fight since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. The former UFC and Strikeforce champion has since had a pair of stints with the WWE, earning women’s championships.

    Carano, meanwhile, has not fought since her loss to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in 2009. After MMA, Carano made a career for himself in film and television.

    The co-main event will be a five-round welterweight bout featuring Nate Diaz taking on Mike Perry.

    Diaz has not fought in MMA since his win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022. Diaz has since fought in a pair of boxing matches, losing to Jake Paul and defeating Jorge Masvidal. Perry has not fought in professional MMA since parting with the UFC in 2021, but he’s made a name for himself in BKFC.

    Francis Ngannou also makes his return on this card, taking on Phillipe Lins. This is the former UFC heavyweight champion’s first MMA bout since defeating Renan Ferreira in his lone PFL bout in October 2024. Lins won the PFL heavyweight title in its inaugural 2018 season. He then went to the UFC, losing his first two bouts before winning four straight, before parting ways with the promotion. Lins has not fought since his UFC 299 win over Ion Cutelaba.

    Ahead of the MVP MMA card, MMANews’ Thomas Albano and Pranav Pandey shared their thoughts on the event.

    What do you think this Saturday’s MVP MMA event needs to do to be considered a success?

    Thomas Albano: When I heard Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was going to happen under the MVP banner on Netflix, my head was scratching. Then they added Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou to the card, and I wondered if this was going to be a one-and-done gimmick show. Then the other names came in, and I’ve seen the pre-event hype behind this card. And I can honestly say I’m super pumped to tune in to MVP’s first MMA card on May 16.

    I think for this card to be a true success, MVP has to remember the mission of being an alternative product. Is there going to be Netflix crossover? Of course. That happens with a lot of Netflix products and broadcasts. Does having two people who haven’t fought in MMA in 10+ years each sound concerning? It can be.

    But ultimately, it just comes down to the fights delivering. Strong performances and fun fights up and down the card, even if not every fight is a home run, and highlight finishes will gain more traction. The better this card does, the stronger of a start for MVP MMA. And that can mean upward trajectory for future events.

    Pranav Prandy:  I think MVP has been pretty smart in how they’ve built this card. Stacking the main card with recognizable names who’ve already made a mark in the UFC almost guarantees attention. There’s a built-in audience there, and with the event streaming on Netflix, the reach alone could push it into “success” territory purely on numbers.

    That said, I’m not entirely convinced the fight week buzz will match that scale. The pre-fight press conference turnout might not be anything special, which could hint at a softer on-ground presence. But in today’s landscape, that doesn’t necessarily matter as much as digital traction, and I do expect this event to pull solid viewership on Saturday night.

    As for what MVP needs to do to be considered a success, in my opinion, most of the heavy lifting is already done. The promotion has been adequate, the names are there, and the platform is massive. Now it really comes down to delivering entertaining fights. If the action lives up to expectations, this event won’t just be a success, it might even force the UFC to pay attention a little more closely.

    Do you think Rousey vs. Carano will be a hit or a flop?

    Thomas Albano: If we were living in the early 2010s right now, this would be an all-time barnburner for women’s MMA. Carano is a pioneer of this sport for its female athletes. Rousey, meanwhile, built a legacy for herself with each fight, and she is one fighter who helped bring the UFC more and more mainstream in the previously mentioned decade.

    But time has not done this matchup any favors. It’s unique, it’s nostalgic, but that’s all. It’s been a decade since Amanda Nunes obliterated Rousey. It’s been longer since Carano ran into Cris Cyborg. The two have name value and star power, especially Rousey, but we shouldn’t expect a war in the cage.

    This fight, along with the other names of this card, will certainly bring eyeballs to the point where the event is a hit. The competitiveness and quality of the fight, however? Probably a different story.

    Pranav Prandy: I’m not entirely sure this is the fight fans were really asking for, especially when you consider the combined hiatus of both fighters, which is well over two decades. Personally, I’m not that excited for it from a competitive standpoint.

    Rousey’s name still carries serious weight, no doubt about that. In fact, this fight could serve as a reality check to see whether she still commands the same level of star power she had during her UFC run. With Carano, I think her presence adds more to the overall spectacle and glamour of the event, which isn’t a bad thing, but it does shift the focus slightly away from pure competition.

    When it comes to the actual fight, I don’t expect a high-level MMA showcase. The ring rust is likely to be quite evident on both sides. If they end up delivering an entertaining scrap, then full credit to them, but I’m not counting on it.

    So in terms of name value and mainstream attention, I think it will be a hit. But if we’re judging it strictly as a competitive MMA contest, I don’t see it being particularly engaging.

    What is the fight you are most looking forward to?

    Thomas Albano: I don’t want to discredit the rest of the MVP MMA card. I, for one, actually am looking forward to a Francis Ngannou return. And I want to see the prospective talents that MVP MMA has signed, because the promotion needs talent of the future to be the kind of alternative product it wants to be.

    But, come on, there’s only one choice for the people’s main event: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.

    Of the three major fights on this main card, which have taken a lot of the hype, this is the one I’m most uncertain about. Diaz is always fun to watch, and he’s not going to be afraid to go to war against “Platinum” Perry.

    He and Perry will probably have some of those fun exchanges; however, Perry’s aggressiveness and his striking, which he’s developed with the BKFC, might cause a problem and risk opening up a cut on Diaz. Diaz is definitely the better grappler, and getting Perry to the ground should be a mission for him.

    However long it lasts, I hope this ends up being the best fight of the night.

    Pranav Prandy: For me, it has to be Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. Both guys are pure entertainment and have built their reputations on bringing chaos every time they step in to compete. It’s always a pleasure watching Diaz fight. There’s a certain unpredictability and toughness he brings that never really fades. On the other side, Perry is coming in with serious momentum, especially off his success in BKFC, and that makes this matchup even more intriguing.

    I do think Perry is going to pose some real problems with his aggression and current form. But at the same time, Diaz is not someone who goes away quietly. He thrives in those gritty, drawn-out battles. This one just feels like it has all the ingredients to steal the show.

    What name outside of the big 3 fights should people look out for?

    Thomas Albano: The obvious answer is going to be Salahdine Parnasse, given how he’s on the main card and how he fared for himself in KSW, becoming a two-division champion.

    Parnasse has the opportunity to be that kind of future talent MVP needs beyond established names. He’s 28 years old and comes into this bout with a 22-2 record, one of the top names outside the UFC. He’s been a featherweight and lightweight champion in KSW, and he once challenged for the welterweight title.

    For variety’s sake, I’ll also throw in Jason Jackson and Aline Pereira. If you never watched Bellator or PFL, or The Ultimate Fighter season 21, you’ll enjoy Jackson’s abilities in the cage. You know you have a solid card when a former Bellator champion is on the prelims. Pereira, meanwhile, is the sister of Alex Pereira. If she can deliver a knockout, she’ll definitely have some eyes on her in MVP.

    Pranav Prandy: One name I’m definitely keeping an eye on is Salahdine Parnasse. He’s already built a serious reputation in KSW as a two-division champion, and this feels like a big moment for him to introduce himself to a wider audience.

    What makes his story even more interesting is that the UFC has been interested in him for quite some time, but he’s turned those opportunities down, largely due to financial reasons. That’s not something you see often, and it says a lot about the position he’s built for himself in the European scene.

    He’s already a proven draw over there, but this card gives him a real chance to break into the U.S. market in a meaningful way. If he can deliver a standout performance against Kenny Cross, it could shift the conversation around him entirely.

    Does the UFC attempt to steal momentum with a Conor McGregor announcement on Saturday night?

    Thomas Albano: I’d be more surprised if there wasn’t an announcement. Ariel Helwani mentioned last week that he expected an announcement at UFC 328, but that event came and went with just an update from Dana White that things were looking good for McGregor’s return.

    But here’s the thing: If you really think about it, it makes more sense strategically for the UFC to do something like that this week. It’s a way for them to try to drag attention away from MVP. And this theory might have some legs now that the New York Post has reported on details being finalized for McGregor vs. Holloway.

    When McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fell through a couple of years ago, did you think it was just coincidental that the UFC’s confirmation — and announcement of UFC 303’s replacement main event — came on a Thursday night during a PFL card?

    I fully expect an announcement of McGregor’s UFC return on May 16, especially with the UFC’s International Fight Week two months away. Will the fight actually happen? Who knows. But if things are just about ready, I totally see this happening.

    That said, I don’t think it does too much damage to the traction MVP would get anyway.

    Pranav Prandy: There’s definitely some noise around a potential Conor McGregor return, possibly at UFC 329 in July, and even Ariel Helwani has hinted that an announcement could come as soon as this weekend.

    If that happens, it would clearly be a calculated move by Dana White and the UFC to grab headlines and shift some of the spotlight away from the MVP MMA card. Given the ongoing friction between White and Jake Paul, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they chose this moment to make a statement.

    From a strategic standpoint, it makes perfect sense. If you have your biggest star ready to be announced, this is exactly the kind of moment you use to remind everyone who still dominates the space.

    That said, I don’t think it would drastically impact either promotion in the long run. Both sides are likely to generate their own traction regardless. An announcement might steal a few headlines for a day, but it won’t really take anything away from MVP, and it certainly won’t hurt the UFC either.

    Will MVP MMA be a one-and-done? Or will there be more?

    Thomas Albano: I know Jake Paul is not the most popular person in the combat sports space. I know that to this day, there are people who hate him because he doesn’t fall into the tradition of boxing. I know that his personality can be one that turns people off.

    But here’s the thing: If you’re someone who wants to see an alternate product, you have to root for MVP and hope it succeeds. More promotions mean more choice for fans and fighters. Disrupting the UFC’s tight grasp on the combat sports world is a lot easier said than done. However, if that were to happen, it’d have quite the effect on the MMA economy.

    With MVP’s commitment to try and do such a thing, it seems clear there will be more events beyond this first one. Two things are going to be needed, however. Firstly, while they loaded this card with names, they still need to save star power to headline future cards. That’s going to be needed while they build their own stars.

    That’s the second thing — they need their own homegrown talents that people will tune in to MVP for, regardless of where they’re on the card and who is headlining. Homegrown talents will help to further a strong identity for MVP MMA, and it will do more for showing fighters they have a choice in where they want to take their career and make money.

    Pranav Prandy: This is the one I’m least certain about. It’s clear that MVP, along with Jake Paul, is aiming to disrupt the UFC’s long-standing grip on the global MMA market. With Netflix backing them, the potential reach is massive, which suggests they’re at least thinking beyond just a single event.

    But sustaining that kind of momentum is a different challenge altogether. To keep this going, they’ll need to consistently bring in big names who can headline and draw attention. That’s not easy in a space where the UFC still holds most of the elite roster.

    In a perfect world, something like Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou would be the kind of blockbuster fight that changes everything. Realistically, though, that feels a bit out of reach for now.

    I think it ultimately comes down to how this weekend performs. The response they get, both in terms of viewership and overall buzz, will play a huge role in deciding whether this becomes a long-term venture or just a one-off experiment.

  • Who Is Salahdine Parnasse? Ex-KSW Double Champ Now Fighting On Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card

    Who Is Salahdine Parnasse? Ex-KSW Double Champ Now Fighting On Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card

    Salahdine Parnasse has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in modern MMA, even if his name hasn’t fully crossed into mainstream conversation yet.

    That could change this weekend. The 28-year-old will take on Kenny Cross at the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marking his first appearance on a major U.S. platform. He enters the bout with a 22-2 professional record and growing recognition as one of the top lightweights competing outside the UFC.

    A Champion Built In Europe

    “Super Prodige” became a headline act under the KSW banner, a promotion widely viewed as Europe’s MMA powerhouse. During his time there, he didn’t just win titles; he held two at once, becoming a simultaneous champion at featherweight and lightweight.

    His resume includes victories over seasoned opponents such as Marcin Held, Marian Ziółkowski, Wilson Varela, and Daniel Torres. Earlier this year, he reinforced his dominance by stopping Held in the second round to retain his lightweight belt at KSW 114.

    Why UFC Move Never Happened

    Despite his success, “Super Prodige” has yet to sign with the UFC, and that decision has been intentional. Financially, he was already in a strong position in KSW, reportedly earning six-figure purses.

    When offers came from the UFC, they reportedly fell well below what he was making in Europe. With that gap, there was little incentive to leave a situation where he was both well-paid and firmly established.

    Skill Set That Stands Out

    Parnasse brings a complete toolkit into the cage. Operating out of a southpaw stance, he blends sharp striking with controlled movement, while also posing a threat on the ground with his submission game.

    His numbers reflect that balance, with seven knockouts and seven submissions across 22 wins, underlining his ability to finish fights in multiple ways.

    Defining Moment In The U.S.

    Now, “Super Prodige” faces Kenny Cross in a bout that could change everything. Competing in front of a global audience on Netflix, Parnasse has the opportunity to showcase his talent to a much wider fan base.

    A standout performance would not only elevate his profile but could also reignite talks about a long-awaited move to the UFC, this time on his own terms.

  • MVP MMA Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    MVP MMA Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    The first MVP MMA card comes this weekend, and the inaugural MMA outing from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions brings the returns of two women’s MMA legends.

    In the main event of MVP MMA, Ronda Rousey takes on Gina Carano in a women’s featherweight matchup.

    After winning a judo bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, Rousey made her pro MMA debut in 2011, quickly going on to win the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight championship. She became the UFC’s inaugural champion in the weight class and competed in the UFC’s first women’s MMA bout, going on to have a legendary title reign until Holly Holm ended it at UFC 193.

    Rousey hasn’t fought since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. She has since had two stints with the WWE, going on to become a multiple-time women’s world champion in professional wrestling.

    Carano made her professional MMA debut in 2006, winning seven straight fights while competing for promotions like Strikeforce and EliteXC. Carano has not fought since her sole pro loss, losing the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title fight in 2009 against Cris Cyborg. Carano has since gone on to have a career in film and television.

    The co-main event will feature another legendary MMA name, Nate Diaz, taking on Mike Perry.

    This will be Diaz’s first professional MMA fight since defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Diaz has since fought twice in boxing, losing to Jake Paul and defeating former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal.

    This will be Perry’s first MMA fight in five years, having not competed in the discipline since his April 2021 loss to Daniel Rodriguez. He’s since made a name for himself with BKFC, becoming their King of Violence and scoring wins over the likes of Michael “Venom” Page, Eddie Alvarez, and Jeremy Stephens.

    Also featured will be the return of Francis Ngannou, as he takes on Phillipe Lins. After departing the UFC as heavyweight champion, Ngannou fought just once with the PFL, defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024. Lins, who won the inaugural PFL heavyweight season in 2018, hasn’t fought since defeating Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299. He departed the UFC on a four-fight win streak, going 4-2 in the promotion.

    The main card will also feature Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross and Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne.

    MVP MMA Betting Odds

    Here are the latest betting odds for MVP MMA, as of 1 am ET on May 14, courtesy of DraftKings:

    NOTE: As of the time of writing, many prop bets for prelim bouts are not available

    Preliminary Card (YouTube, 6 pm ET)

    Catchweight (165 lbs): Chris Avila (+250) vs. Brandon Jenkins (-310)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Aline Pereira (-425) vs. Jade Masson-Wong (+330)

    Featherweight: David Mgoyan (-535) vs. Albert Morales (+400)

    Welterweight: Jason Jackson (N/A) vs. Jefferson Creighton (N/A)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Adriano Moraes (N/A) vs. Phumi Nkuta (N/A)

    Welterweight: Namo Fazil (-345) vs. Jake Bobian (+275)

    Main Card (Netflix, 9 PM ET)

    Heavyweight: Junior dos Santos (+300) vs. Robelis Despaigne (-380)

    Lightweight: Salahdine Parnasse (-1100) vs. Kenneth Cross (+700)

    Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou (-1450) vs. Philipe Lins (+850)

    Welterweight: Nate Diaz (+180) vs. Mike Perry (-218)

    Women’s Featherweight: Ronda Rousey (-535) vs. Gina Carano (+400)

    MVP MMA Predictions & Best Bets

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen either woman in action, and somehow, still one woman has been way out of the cage longer than the other. This one is ultimately going to come down to who has more rust on them and how seriously the two take this fight. Some feel that Carano will have a size factor in this fight and overwhelm Rousey with her striking; however, it’s hard to pick Carano when it’s been 17 years since her last fight. At least the time in WWE has kept Rousey in some form of combative, athletic action. (Prediction: Rousey) (Best Bet: Rousey to win via submission in Round 1 [+100])

    Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry: This one is WILD and can fall any way. Both men have been away from professional MMA for a few years, with Diaz having a couple of boxing matchups and Perry becoming the star of BKFC. Diaz could look to use his grappling to his advantage, but how much of that will he do compared to trying to get into a wild scrap with “Platinum” Perry? Let’s lean toward Diaz being smart in this one and catching a wild Perry for a victory. The fight’s going one of two ways, and both don’t see this fight going to the final horn. (Prediction: Diaz) (Best Bet: Fight does NOT go the distance [-130])

    Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins: Philipe Lins might have exited the UFC on a four-fight win streak, but he and Ngannou have been out of action for a similar amount of time. And when it comes to strength, Lins doesn’t compare to what “The Predator” can offer. He is going to need to find a way to touch up Ngannou while avoiding his power. Doing that for 15 full minutes is a lot easier said than done, though. (Prediction: Ngannou) (Best Bet: Ngannou to win via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 [-135])

    Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross: For this event to be more than just a one-and-done, it needs to have some strong undercard and rising names to balance out with the big stars. Those who really love this sport and have not seen Salahdine Parnasse fight yet will be in for a treat. He’s won two titles in the KSW, and his boxing base has provided him with strong knockout power and a great finishing ability (with great ground game to balance it out). Meanwhile, Kenneth Cross is a solid veteran with a strong wrestling background who looks to end things on the ground. This should be a fun outing, but Parnasse has more to him in terms of skillset and upside, and that should give him the edge here. (Prediction: Parnasse) (Prediction: Parnasse to win in Round 2 [+330])

    Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne: Junior dos Santos is a legendary name in the UFC, but his tenure there ended with a four-fight losing skid between 2019 and 2020. He’s fought just three times since — two times competing in bare-knuckle MMA. Robelis Despaigne had a strong UFC start at UFC 299, but his two losses afterward left a lot to be desired. Still, he’s found a home for himself in Karate Combat, where he knocked out Sam Alvey to become their heavyweight champion. JDS’ age and time away from competition are not going to fare well for him here, especially against someone like Despaigne who can use his size and Taekwondo and karate-based striking to put the former UFC heavyweight champion in trouble. (Prediction: Despaigne) (Best Bet: Despaigne to Win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 [-125])

    Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian: These two are up-and-coming welterweights looking to make a statement on a big stage. Both are strong strikers, with Fazil combining Muay Thai and taekwondo, while Babian mixes up his boxing with work in jiu-jitsu. This might be closer than what the odds suggest as of now, but Fazil’s striking seems just that more developed, and it probably leads him to a win. (Prediction: Fazil)

    Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: It’s a shame that we’re not getting Adriano Moraes vs. Muhammad Mokaev, but Phumi Nkuta is one to watch. Nkuta, who trains under Ray Longo, is 11-0, a champion of Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat and Warrior Cage Grappling, ranked one of the top regional flyweights in the U.S., let alone the Northeast U.S. Moraes found plenty of success in ONE as their flyweight champion, but he’s lost three of his last four. This is going to be a battle between two grappling-heavy talents, and while Moraes has the experience, don’t be surprised if the younger Nkuta, fired up to make a statement, pulls off the victory. (Prediction: Nkuta)

    Jason Jackson vs. Jeff Creighton: After spending the last couple of years with the PFL, following its acquisition of Bellator, Jason Jackson gets the chance to show why he’s been a solid talent outside of the UFC. The former Bellator champ takes on Jeff Creighton, replacing Lorenz Larkin, who came onto the MMA scene after his time with The Ultimate Fighter last year. When you take into account the experience and championship factors of Jackson, combined with opponent history, it’s a solid chance for Creighton to impress, but it’s going to be hard for him to win against Jackson. (Prediction: Jackson)

    David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales: Spotlight opportunity time for David Mgoyan. At just 21, Mgoyan is already 8-1, looking to continue to build himself following his loss to Tommy McMillen on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. Albert Morales has experience in the UFC and Bellator, but he’s fought a lot more on the regional circuit. And while he’s clearly the more experienced fighter, Mgoyan’s wrestling (benefited by being the training partner of Arman Tsarukyan) will elevate the young man to a win in this one. (Prediction: Mgoyan)

    Aline Pereira vs. Jade Masson-Wong: MVP hopes that they have an answer to “Poatan” — his younger sister. Though just 2-2 in professional MMA, Aline Pereira has shown herself to be an excellent striker through her experience in kickboxing and karate. Pereira, in fact, is a Karate Combat champion. Don’t count out Jade Masson-Wong, however, an accomplished striker herself with plenty of experience in BKFC. Let’s hope for a fun war in this one. (Prediction: Pereira)

    Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins: Chris Avila has had fights with UFC and Bellator, but he’s more known for his boxing of late, battling the likes of Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis, and Jeremy Stephens. Jenkins has also fought for the UFC, as well as the PFL and LFA in the past, with a lot of his recent work coming in karate and bare-knuckle MMA. While Jenkins doesn’t have the recent winning momentum, Avila hasn’t fought in MMA since 2021, and Jenkins has a better record under his belt. (Prediction: Jenkins)

  • Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card Gets Elite Referee Crew For Top 3 Fights

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card Gets Elite Referee Crew For Top 3 Fights

    Referee assignments have been finalized for the biggest fights on this weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card, with several veteran officials set to oversee the action.

    The event takes place on Saturday, May 16, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and streams live on Netflix. Headlining the card, Ronda Rousey faces Gina Carano in a historic featherweight bout marking both fighters’ long-awaited return to MMA.

    For the main event, legendary referee John McCarthy has been assigned to officiate the clash. Widely regarded as one of the most experienced officials in the sport, his involvement adds further weight to the high-profile matchup.

    In the co-main event, Nate Diaz squares off against Mike Perry, with Mike Beltran set to handle officiating duties. The bout brings together two of the sport’s most unpredictable personalities, both known for their durability and fan-friendly styles, making it one of the most anticipated fights on the card.

    Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou returns to MMA against Philipe Lins, with Herb Dean assigned to referee the contest. It marks Ngannou’s continued comeback following a difficult stretch that included a move into boxing and personal adversity outside the cage.

  • Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted To Quit Fighting After 15-Month-Old Son’s Death

    Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted To Quit Fighting After 15-Month-Old Son’s Death

    Francis Ngannou is set to return to action this weekend, but this fight carries a far deeper meaning than anything inside the cage.

    “The Predator” faces Philipe Lins on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, streaming live on Netflix. It marks just his second outing since the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, in 2024.

    Speaking during an emotional interview with Daniel Cormier, the 39-year-old Cameroonian admitted the tragedy had completely altered his outlook on life.

    “You know, it is something you’d never forget, but it definitely brings you to see life in a different way,” Ngannou said. “It was a trigger to find out that I’m still sensitive and I’m still human.”

    The loss left him questioning everything, including his fighting career.

    “I did not want to keep fighting; there was no reason,” he said. “What’s the point of fighting if I cannot fight for my son?”

    “The Predator” also revealed how deeply the trauma continues to affect him, recalling a frightening moment involving his daughter.

    “I remember a few months after my son passed away, I was with my daughter and she had a cold,” Ngannou said. “At some point she stopped reacting and was getting fatigued, and it was the biggest fear of my life. It was a normal reaction for my kid, but for me, I was traumatized.”

    The former UFC heavyweight champion added that his final memory of his son still weighs heavily on him.

    “I think about the last time I saw him… he was crying because he did not want me to leave,” Ngannou said. “Those moments you take for granted.”

  • UFC Legends And Top Analysts Join Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Broadcast Team

    UFC Legends And Top Analysts Join Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Broadcast Team

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is already one of the most talked-about combat sports events of the year, and now the promotion has added even more star power with the official reveal of its broadcast team.

    Set to take place this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the event will stream exclusively on Netflix under the Most Valuable Promotions banner. The card is headlined by the long-awaited return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano in a five-round featherweight showdown.

    For the live broadcast, veteran commentator Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play duties, joined cageside by former UFC fighter Kenny Florian as the color analyst. Sibley Scoles will serve as the roving reporter throughout the night, while Sean Wheelock takes on rules and scoring analysis. The in-cage announcing responsibilities will be handled by Kody Mommaerts.

    The desk coverage will be anchored by Elle Duncan, alongside former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and veteran journalist Ariel Helwani. The panel is expected to feature several high-profile guest appearances during the broadcast, including former UFC champions Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez, as well as Cat Zingano.

    The event marks a significant moment for Netflix as it continues expanding into live combat sports, with this being one of its most high-profile MMA broadcasts to date.

    Fight week coverage will also include multiple live elements. Open workouts are scheduled for Wednesday, followed by the official press conference on Thursday hosted by Helwani. Ceremonial weigh-ins will take place on Friday, with analysis from Woodley and Florian alongside additional commentary from Velasquez.

    Fans will be able to tune in early, with the preliminary card beginning at 6 p.m. ET on MVP’s YouTube channel, while the main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on Netflix.

  • When Was Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight? Taking A Closer Look At “Conviction’s” Record Ahead Of May 16 Return Against Ronda Rousey

    When Was Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight? Taking A Closer Look At “Conviction’s” Record Ahead Of May 16 Return Against Ronda Rousey

    Gina Carano was one of the original crossover stars in women’s mixed martial arts, long before the UFC even introduced female divisions. With her charisma, striking style, and mainstream popularity, Carano helped push women’s MMA into the spotlight during the late 2000s and became one of the sport’s first recognizable female stars.

    Now, nearly 17 years after stepping away from professional competition, Carano is slated to return to the cage against Ronda Rousey on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The bout headlines a Most Valuable Promotions card streaming live on Netflix and marks one of the most unexpected comeback fights in recent MMA history.

    With “Conviction” finally making her long-awaited return, many fans have started revisiting her MMA career and asking one major question: when exactly did she last compete, and what happened in that fight? Let’s take a closer look.

    Image: @MostVpromotions/X

    Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight

    Carano’s final MMA appearance took place at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on August 15, 2009, in San Jose, California. She faced Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight championship in what became the first women’s bout to headline a major MMA event.

    The fight ended late in the opening round after Cyborg overwhelmed “Conviction” with strikes, earning a TKO stoppage at 4:59 of Round 1. That defeat marked the lone loss of Carano’s professional MMA career.

    Following the fight, the 44-year-old Texan stepped away from MMA and transitioned into acting, eventually appearing in major Hollywood projects such as Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian. Over the years, speculation about a comeback surfaced several times, but no fight materialized until the announcement of her clash with Rousey earlier this year.

    Carano initially retired with a professional MMA record of 7-1, including notable victories over Julie Kedzie, Kelly Kobold, and Kaitlin Young. Now, after almost two decades away from competition, she finally gets the chance to step back into the cage once again.

  • Did Ronda Rousey Win Her Last Fight? Revisiting “Rowdy’s” MMA Record Before May 16 Comeback Against Gina Carano

    Did Ronda Rousey Win Her Last Fight? Revisiting “Rowdy’s” MMA Record Before May 16 Comeback Against Gina Carano

    Ronda Rousey once stood as the defining face of women’s MMA, turning a niche division into a global attraction. An Olympic bronze medalist in judo, she translated her elite grappling into a dominant run that helped bring female fighters into the UFC spotlight.

    Nearly a decade after stepping away from competition, the former UFC bantamweight champion is now preparing to step back into the cage.

    “Rowdy” is set to headline a historic return bout against Gina Carano on May 16. The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles under the Most Valuable Promotions banner. Contested at 145 pounds over five rounds, the matchup brings together two pioneers of the sport who have been away from MMA for a combined 25 years.

    With her comeback approaching, many fans are revisiting her career and asking a key question. Did Rousey end her MMA run with a victory or a loss? To understand that, it is worth taking a closer look at how her final fights played out.

    Image: @MostVpromotions/X

    Ronda Rousey’s Last MMA Fight

    Ronda Rousey’s final MMA appearance came at UFC 207 in December 2016, where she faced Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title in Las Vegas.

    The fight was brief and one-sided, as Nunes overwhelmed Rousey with striking and secured a first-round TKO stoppage. It marked a difficult end to Rousey’s fighting career and confirmed a second straight defeat.

    The 39-year-old Californian’s previous outing had already shaken her dominance. At UFC 193 in November 2015, Rousey lost her title to Holly Holm via a stunning head kick knockout. That result snapped her unbeaten streak and remains one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

    Those two defeats remain the only setbacks on her record, which stands at 12-2, with every victory coming by finish. She secured notable wins over fighters such as Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Liz Carmouche during her title reign.

    As “Rowdy” prepares for her return on May 16, the question now is whether she can bounce back and get her hand raised once again.